Masters Program

Introduction

The Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics offers MA and MSc degrees in Geography, by thesis and by project. The Master's program offers opportunities for research in the fields of

1) environmental management and governance;
2) biophysical systems and processes; and
3) socio-economic spaces and change. The program is distinctive in that it emphasizes interrelationships among biophysical and human systems.

Scales of inquiry range from the local to the global, and students conduct research in Canada as well as internationally. In addition, the department offers a Master of Conservation Leadership

Admission Standards

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

  • A four-year honours baccalaureate or equivalent;
  • A minimum average of 75% (B) during the final two years of undergraduate study.

Applicants must submit a statement of their research interests with their application. It is essential that applicants contact potential advisors in the department prior to submission of an application. Students are admitted in September. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines.

Program Requirements

Students enrol in one of two study options: 1) thesis, or 2) course work and major research project.

MA/MSC WITH THESIS

Students taking the thesis option are required to complete an acceptable thesis and the Research Methods courses (GEOG*6090 and GEOG*6091). In addition, students must take three courses (1.5 credits), from the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics. For the MA degree, students must complete two courses identified as social science courses. For the MSc degree, students must complete two courses identified as biophysical science courses.

MA/MSC BY COURSEWORK AND PROJECT

Students taking the course work option must complete the Research Methods courses (GEOG*6090 and GEOG*6091) and the Research Project course. In addition, five other courses (2.5 credits) are required, at least four of which must be from the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics. MA students must complete three courses identified as social science courses. MSc students must complete three courses identified as biophysical science courses.

GEOGRAPHY/GUELPH INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (GIDS) SHARED MA AND MSC PROGRAMS

Students can choose to combine their MA or MSc in Geography with an IDS designation. The collaborative IDS program offers an interdisciplinary framework for the study of international development that combines training in a selected academic discipline with exposure to a broad range of social science perspectives. This designation gives extra flexibility on the job market while permitting disciplinary specialization required by most PhD programs.

The collaborative Geography course requirements include:

  • Research Methods (GEOG*6090 and GEOG*6091)
  • One other Geography course (which can be taken from the IDS core)
  • Either a thesis OR
  • Research Project (GEOG*6180) + one other Geography course not taken as part of the IDS core

In addition to the Geography course requirements, students take the GIDS seminar and one course from each core area: Sociology/Anthropology, Geography, Economics and Political Science. Completion of the GIDS program adds the designation "International Development Studies" to your MA or MSc degree. Visit the GIDS website for more information or e-mail gids@uoguelph.ca.

Residency Requirement and Program Duration

Students must complete the equivalent of at least 2 semesters of full-time study and research. Students are expected to complete the MA/MSc program within 5 semesters.

Transferring from a Masters Program to Doctoral